Nestled in the Black Canyon stretch of the Colorado River, Willow Beach Marina & Campground offers a relaxed doorway to 235 miles of striking desert shoreline and hidden coves. Glide across emerald water in a pontoon, skiff, kayak...
Located about 90 minutes from Vegas, this spot has become a go-to destination for anyone wanting to escape the city and hit the Colorado River. The crystal-clear water is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or just taking a rented boat upstream toward Hoover Dam and Emerald Cave. Paddlers rave about exploring historic ruins along the way and spotting mountain goats on the cliffs. The facilities consistently impress visitors, with clean bathrooms, well-maintained grounds, and ample parking for boats and RVs. The staff earns consistent praise for being friendly and efficient with rentals. One reviewer even shared how the team handled a mechanical breakdown during their rental by comping the entire day, turning a frustrating situation into a reason to return. People appreciate that dogs are welcome and that there are plenty of spots to pull off, swim, and jump from rocks. The water stays cold year-round, but regulars say you adjust quickly. An annual pass makes sense if you plan multiple visits.
This is an awesome spot just about 1.5 hours outside of Vegas if you’re looking to hit the water! I usually launch my paddle boards here and head toward the Hoover Dam. You do have to pay a fee to get in, but if you plan on coming more than once it’s more cost efficient to buy a yearly pass! Along the way, you’ll pass the historic ruins of a house, complete with a plaque detailing its history. You can still see the pulleys, wooden walkways along the rocks, and a watchtower. Fun fact: this was the original site planned for the Hoover Dam, but it was moved upstream due to a visible fault line! Emerald Cave is about an hour paddle upstream, and the water inside is absolutely beautiful (check out the video I attached for @trashclvss). Across the river, there’s also Echo Cave, which is worth exploring. There are plenty of spots to pull off and hang out, plus lots of rocks to jump from! Keep in mind, the water is always cold, but after a few jumps in and out, your body adjusts. Be sure to look at the mountains, there are frequently mountain goats there!! It’s always such a fun adventure exploring the Colorado River!
Vee
October 2, 2025
This is an awesome spot just about 1.5 hours outside of Vegas if you’re looking to hit the water! I usually launch my paddle boards here and head toward the Hoover Dam. You do have to pay a fee to get in, but if you plan on coming more than once it’s more cost efficient to buy a yearly pass! Along the way, you’ll pass the historic ruins of a house, complete with a plaque detailing its history. You can still see the pulleys, wooden walkways along the rocks, and a watchtower. Fun fact: this was the original site planned for the Hoover Dam, but it was moved upstream due to a visible fault line! Emerald Cave is about an hour paddle upstream, and the water inside is absolutely beautiful (check out the video I attached for @trashclvss). Across the river, there’s also Echo Cave, which is worth exploring. There are plenty of spots to pull off and hang out, plus lots of rocks to jump from! Keep in mind, the water is always cold, but after a few jumps in and out, your body adjusts. Be sure to look at the mountains, there are frequently mountain goats there!! It’s always such a fun adventure exploring the Colorado River!
Vee
October 2, 2025
